12 Civilians Killed, Komnas HAM Urges TNI to Evaluate Operations in Papua

Komnas HAM is urging TNI Commander General Agus Subianto to evaluate the military operation conducted in Papua following the deaths of 12 civilians.

Komnas HAM Chair Anis Hidayah stated that the dozen civilian casualties occurred during the TNI’s military operation against the TPNPB-OPM group in Kampung Kembru, Puncak Regency.

“This incident resulted in 12 (twelve) civilians dying, including vulnerable groups such as children and women, with gunshot wounds; dozens of other civilians suffered serious injuries,” she said in a written statement on Saturday (18/4).

“Komnas HAM is continuing to gather information and coordinate with all parties to confirm the number of victims and their conditions,” she added.

Komnas HAM, she said, strongly condemns the TNI’s military operation against the OPM that led to civilian casualties.

She emphasised that civilian deaths in TNI operations cannot be justified for any reason. Anis stated that attacks on civilians in situations of war or otherwise constitute human rights violations and breaches of international humanitarian law.

“This causes violations of the right to life and the right to security. Both of these rights are non-derogable rights that cannot be diminished under any circumstances,” she explained.

Secondly, Komnas HAM emphasises that civilians, especially vulnerable groups, must receive maximum protection and attention from all parties, particularly the state.

Anis said Komnas HAM requests all parties to exercise restraint, especially the TNI and OPM, to avoid causing fear, stigmatisation, and targeting civilians in the armed conflict.

It also requests that every law enforcement and security approach by the TNI be conducted professionally and proportionately, while respecting human rights values and principles.

Furthermore, Komnas HAM asks the government to provide maximum protection and recovery for the deceased and injured victims, and to ensure that other civilians do not become displaced for security reasons.

“Komnas HAM urges the TNI Commander to evaluate the crackdown operation against TPNPB-OPM conducted by the Habema Task Force and the professional, transparent, and thorough law enforcement process to uphold justice for the victims and their families,” she stressed.

Finally, Anis assured that her side will investigate the human rights violence in this incident by gathering information and will conduct monitoring in accordance with the established mechanisms.